Pictured above: APC Overnight drivers Paul Johnson, Sean Calvin, Stuart Ellison, Dave Palmer, Ian Bradley and Ian Maxwell, with Assistant Transport Manager Gary Riley and Transport Supervisor Mark Helon 

APC Overnight, the UK's largest next day delivery network, is taking a lead in the transport industry by ensuring that their drivers have their Driver CPC qualifications in advance of the 2014 deadline. The 120+ depot company took the decision to ensure that each member of its HGV driver team is well on their way to passing the mandatory qualification before the rush for training places makes things difficult for the industry.

"Seven of our Midlands Hub-based drivers have already achieved their Level 2 NVQs, which means that they are already three-quarters of the way towards the Driver CPC qualifications which will become mandatory in 2014," says Surjit Ram, Transport Manager, APC Overnight. "Without this essential qualification drivers will simply be unable to drive. It is a big challenge for companies to get all their drivers qualified in time for the deadline and we urge our colleagues to start early to avoid the rush."

APC Overnight is in full support of the qualification as it will provide a benchmark that ensures a careful approach to driving by all HGV Class 1 drivers. To assist with obtaining the qualifications the company contracted Targeted Training Projects in Kingswinford as its NVQ training partner.

"Although we are still a couple of years away from the requirement for this licence, we have taken a proactive stance on training. With every driver in the UK needing to reach these standards, we predict that examination centres are likely to be fully booked over the last year to 18 months before the licence becomes law. Although we are well ahead of the deadline, the licences will be valid for the full five years from 2014."